Chapter 2386 - 311: The Thames River Cannot Flow Backwards (2)

Just as Arthur had dared to challenge the ruling party in many ways, Disraeli, who counted Young England among his followers, now entertained the idea of wrestling with party factions.

"I didn’t want things to escalate to this point, but..." Arthur leaned back in his armchair, "Benjamin, you know what happened a while ago. If relinquishing my power could help the country progress and allow society to function well, I would have no complaints. But the fact is, they can’t fulfill their responsibilities. In that case, isn’t it reasonable for society to criticize them a bit?"

Of course, Disraeli didn’t believe Arthur’s reasoning: "But you know, no government in this world humbly accepts criticism. You have to be careful of their retaliation."

"Retaliate against Arthur?" Before Arthur could speak, Eld had already jumped in: "If they are intent on retaliation, Arthur couldn’t escape regardless of whether those reports were made. If they still find Arthur useful, even with the reports, they’d have to pinch their noses and use him."

Disraeli didn’t deny Eld’s point: "But at the very least, we can’t give them an excuse to dismiss you, right?"

"Wasn’t the key excuse already there?" Eld gathered up his cards: "The matter with Allen has already surfaced, and the Whig Party has pretty much stripped away the little bits of Arthur’s authority. If it weren’t for their temporary inability to find someone to replace Arthur in managing Scotland Yard, worried about unforeseen incidents during the coronation without someone to take responsibility, I suspect they would’ve cast Arthur aside long ago."

While Eld’s remark wasn’t without reason, Disraeli evidently had a different opinion.

"Even though clever people in the Whig Party are few nowadays, I don’t think they’d be that foolish. In Britain, there are four people who can speak with authority in the police system; two of them are members of the Conservative Party, and another one has been thoroughly disillusioned with the Whig Party. If the Whig Party kicks Arthur out now, I don’t think they’ll find a suitable replacement anytime soon."

Eld took a puff from his cigar and asked, "Who are these four people you’re referring to?"

"Who else could it be? Of course, Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, Charles Rowan, and Arthur Hastings!"

On hearing this, Arthur unexpectedly spoke up: "Benjamin, I didn’t expect you to hold me in such high esteem?"

"Ha! High regard?" Disraeli replied earnestly, "Truth be told, if I had to rank the four of you in terms of actual influence over the police system, yours would be higher than the other three’s."

Eld waved his hand dismissively: "I mean no disrespect to Arthur, but I think you’re being a bit disrespectful to the Duke of Wellington."

Disraeli countered: "I certainly know His Grace’s prestige far surpasses Arthur’s, but that is based on the premise of him being willing to overstep his authority by meddling in police affairs."

Arthur hadn’t intended to continue with this topic, but upon hearing this, he couldn’t help but ask: "Benjamin, are you accusing me of often acting beyond my authority?"

"How could that be? My friend," Disraeli casually backtracked, "As a Deputy Secretary of the Home Office, it is your duty to involve yourself in police matters. Intervening in police departments is only natural, but if His Grace does it, he’s overstepping his bounds."

"So, if one day I’m no longer the Deputy Secretary of the Home Office, intervening in police matters would mean overstepping my bounds?"

"No longer the Deputy Secretary of the Home Office? Arthur, you wouldn’t..." Before finishing his sentence, Disraeli couldn’t help but furrow his brow and turned to Arthur, "Wait, you wouldn’t have..."

Eld also gave Arthur an odd look: "Have you really thought this through? We are civil servants; hastily getting involved in a partisan struggle is not a good idea."

"The waters of the Thames River cannot flow backward. The Conservative Party and the Whig Party each have their historical missions to accomplish, forming the political foundation for Britain’s progress," Arthur shook his head slightly and said, "Although civil servants must adhere to the principle of political neutrality, my understanding is that political neutrality doesn’t mean being indifferent to everything. It means offering timely reminders when one of the parties shows signs of going off track. And at this moment, nothing can alert the Whig Party more effectively than returning them to the opposition. If the price to achieve this goal is relinquishing the position of Deputy Secretary, I am willing to accept my fate gladly."

Saying this, Arthur turned to Disraeli and spoke softly, "Benjamin, if possible, I hope Young England can adjust its electoral districts to several industrial cities in England, especially London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield. Although I don’t know much about elections, God tells me that during the next election, you will achieve good results in those places."

Disraeli was no fool, especially since Arthur’s words were almost blatantly obvious.

Of course, Disraeli couldn’t rule out the possibility that God had actually spoken to him in a dream, given that everyone knew he was a man who practically rose from the grave. For someone with such a resume, knowing a bit about predictions and divination wasn’t surprising.

Disraeli nodded subtly and calmly, "Thank you for your advice, Arthur. Since you’ve already said it like this, it’s better to accept a friend’s suggestion than to battle alone."

...

On the countryside road outside of London, dust flew as a jet-black carriage adorned with the Hastings family crest sped along the path.

Inside the carriage, the Marquis of Hastings, having ended his hunt early, sat with a sullen face, repeatedly reading the letter in his hands word by word.

After a long while, he finally suppressed his anger and asked, "This hasn’t been spread yet, has it?"

The private secretary sat upright and spoke softly, "It hasn’t been publicly reported, but...I’ve heard that discussions are already widespread within the palace."

"What about Flora’s side? Is she really pregnant?"

"Well... Miss Flora firmly denies the pregnancy rumors and vehemently refutes all allegations of improper relations between her and Sir Arthur," the private secretary replied with difficulty, "The Old Marchioness was almost faint with anger when she learned of this at Lauton Castle. Before I left Scotland, she repeatedly instructed me to communicate her wishes to you."

"What did Mother say?"

"The Old Marchioness hopes that upon your return to London, you will promptly enter the palace to see Her Majesty the Queen and demand that Her Majesty strictly punish the rumormongers. Because this incident not only sullies your sister’s reputation but also insults the Hastings family’s honor, we absolutely cannot accept this."

Even if the Old Marchioness hadn’t said so, the Marquis of Hastings planned to make a trip to Buckingham Palace.

However, his only concern now was whether his sister Flora had been truthful about the pregnancy issue.

If everything Flora said was true, then even if his cause would ruin him, he would not retreat.

But if Flora had concealed the truth, rashly making a fuss now would only harm the Hastings family.

The Marquis closed his eyes and leaned back against the interior wall of the carriage, sighing deeply, "Has Flora undergone a doctor’s examination?"

"Well..." The private secretary braced himself, "You know, subjecting a single noblewoman to a pregnancy examination is tantamount to an insult. Although I hinted at a medical check when at Lauton Castle, but..."

"Did Flora scold you?"

"Not exactly scold..." The private secretary took out his handkerchief and wiped his sweat, "In this regard, I indeed failed to consider carefully; she had every right to be angry. Still, until the facts are clear, I indeed don’t recommend you visit Buckingham Palace immediately after returning to London. If I may be so bold, going to Lancaster Gate to ascertain the situation with Sir Arthur first might be a more prudent choice."

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Hastings couldn’t help but rage: "How is that possible! Do you also believe the rumors within the palace! If Arthur truly intended to, he could’ve solemnly proposed an engagement! With his character, how could he let things escalate to this point?"

The private secretary swallowed hard, "Of course, Your Excellency. I know this, but just to be cautious..."

The Marquis of Hastings was silent for a while before finally nodding, "Theophillus... Is he in London now?"

"The Earl of Huntingdon is presently in London."

The Marquis of Hastings gritted his teeth and said, "After returning to London, we’ll split up. I’ll personally see Arthur, and you go find Theophillus. No matter who is behind the rumors, I will make them pay the price!"